Vacations are meant for relaxation and fun—not for dental pain. But accidents can happen anywhere, and a sudden toothache, broken filling, or chipped tooth can quickly put a damper on your trip. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency while away from home can save you discomfort and help you enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Common Dental Emergencies on Vacation and What to do
- Severe toothache, infection, swelling
- seek antibiotics. See if your dentist back home can send to a pharmacy near you.
- seek antibiotics. See if your dentist back home can send to a pharmacy near you.
- Broken or chipped tooth
- A chipped tooth that exhibits no symptoms is generally not an emergent situation. Relax and set up a dental appointment for when you return home.
- A chipped tooth that exhibits no symptoms is generally not an emergent situation. Relax and set up a dental appointment for when you return home.
- Lost filling, crown, or temporary crown
- You can temporarily replace the crown using a dab of sensodyne toothpaste as “glue.” This may be a good solution to prevent social embarrassment if your front tooth loses its crown. Temporary crown cement can also be purchased at the pharmacy.
- You can temporarily replace the crown using a dab of sensodyne toothpaste as “glue.” This may be a good solution to prevent social embarrassment if your front tooth loses its crown. Temporary crown cement can also be purchased at the pharmacy.
- Knocked-out tooth
- This is a more emergent situation that calls for seeing a dentist immediately. Check local listings and be seen as soon as possible. Keep the tooth in milk or water.
- This is a more emergent situation that calls for seeing a dentist immediately. Check local listings and be seen as soon as possible. Keep the tooth in milk or water.
- Infection or swelling – May indicate an abscess and requires urgent care.
Finding a Dentist While Traveling
- Search online for local emergency dentists. Many tourist areas have providers who accept same-day patients.
- Ask your hotel concierge or host for recommendations. They often know nearby clinics.
- Check with your dental insurance provider. Some plans cover out-of-network emergency visits, even abroad.
- If overseas, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They can provide a list of local English-speaking dentists.
When to Visit an Emergency Room
If you have severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room right away. These can be signs of a life-threatening infection.
After You Return Home
Even if your problem was treated while traveling, it’s important to follow up with your regular dentist. Your provider knows your history, can check the area thoroughly, and recommend any additional treatment you may need.
Final Tip: Prevention Before You Travel
Schedule a checkup before big trips to reduce the chance of an emergency. A simple cleaning and exam can identify small issues before they become painful problems!
On vacation in Murrells Inlet with a dental emergency? Call Lowcountry Family Dentistry at 843-651-6776 and be seen today!
Dr. Jordan Brown DMD is a practicing dentist at Lowcountry Family Dentistry in Murrells Inlet, SC.
